A flat organizational structure (A) is best suited to supporting employee growth in a culture focused on creativity, learning, and growth. At the SPHR level, structure is a key enabler—or barrier—to desired behaviors.

Flat structures reduce layers of management, encourage faster decision-making, and increase employee autonomy. This empowers employees to take initiative, collaborate across functions, and develop broader skills. Learning occurs organically through exposure, experimentation, and shared accountability.

Hierarchical structures (D) reinforce control and bureaucracy. Divisional (C) and matrix (B) structures may support coordination but often add complexity and slower decision cycles, which can hinder rapid innovation.

SPHR exam content emphasizes that adaptive cultures are best supported by simplified, decentralized structures that promote empowerment and agility.

References :

HRCI SPHR Exam Content Outline — Functional Area: Leadership and Strategy (organizational design).

HRCI SPHR Study Guide — Structural alignment with innovation cultures.

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